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Study highlights ‘pandemic’ of violence in health care

Posted On: Dec. 14, 2020 12:49 PM CST

violence

Violence against health care workers worldwide are a “persistent pandemic,” according to a study published in December’s American Journal of Managed Care that is calling on more safeguards and attention to the issue.

 

The report highlights that only 26 of 50 U.S. states have legal protections for health care workers that are assaulted assault, “and the laws in the majority of these states protect only a small sector of the health care field. For example, penalties in Louisiana apply only to emergency department workers and those in Kansas apply only to mental health employees.”

 

The causes of violence are many, with mental health and substance abuse named as typical catalysts for attacks on health care workers, according to the report.

 

The study calls on health care administrators, leaders, and national advocates in reversing the trend: “Hospitals need to implement required staff training, increase security, strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, use medical chaperones, and reform policy, among many constructive steps necessary to decrease the incidence of violence against health care workers.”